Hand-Mounted Indicia Reader with Optical Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical push buttons in wearable barcode scanners are unreliable and prone to mechanical failures, leading to increased repair costs and productivity losses in high-volume scanning environments.
Innovation Solution
A hand-mounted indicia-reading device with a non-mechanical trigger mechanism, where the natural motion of the user's index finger initiates the scanning process, using either an image-based or photogate-based system to replace the mechanical switch, allowing for image sensors or photogates to detect finger movement and trigger the scanning sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical push button is used to trigger the scanner, then the triggering function is achieved, but the reliability deteriorates due to mechanical failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical push button switch with an optical sensing system. Image sensors or photogates detect finger motion and trigger the scanning sequence electronically, eliminating mechanical wear and contact failures. This substitution directly resolves the reliability issue by removing the mechanical failure point while maintaining the triggering function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical detection system between the user's finger motion and the scanner triggering mechanism. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the finger motion is detected by image sensors or photogates that convert it into an electronic trigger signal, serving as a reliable intermediary that eliminates mechanical wear.
2Ease of repair
If a mechanical push button is used, then the triggering function is achieved, but repair costs increase due to mechanical failures
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the mechanical push button with an optical sensing system using image sensors or photogates, the patent eliminates components that wear out and require repair. The solid-state optical system has no moving parts or contacts that fail, dramatically reducing repair needs and costs while improving overall reliability.
3Reliability
If finger motion detection is implemented, then mechanical failures are eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing image sensor or photogate hardware that is already part of the scanning system and gives it a dual function: detecting finger motion for triggering and potentially assisting in barcode detection. This multi-functionality approach adds the triggering capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the device's own optical components (image sensors or photogates) to perform the triggering function, making the system self-sufficient. The same optical hardware that detects barcodes can also detect finger motion, eliminating the need for separate dedicated triggering components and reducing overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Eliminates mechanical failure concerns, enhances reliability, and maintains user mobility by using intuitive finger motion to initiate scanning, reducing downtime and repair costs while maintaining productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a photogate-based non-mechanical trigger mechanism includes a photogate housing, a light source in the photogate housing, and a detector in the photogate housing
Implementation Method 2
An imaging lens is used to project the indicia-reader's field of view onto a plurality of pixels, each pixel acting as a detector for a small portion of the field of view
Data Source
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AI summary
A wearable indicia reader is worn on the back of a user's hand such that the act of pointing the user's index finger is sufficient to align the indicia reader and trigger the indicia-reading process. Triggering is achieved by sensing the user's finger in an image or by breaking a light path in a photogate.